Newborn Baby Found Dead in Portable Restroom at Electric Forest Festival

What should have been the final day of Electric Forest 2026 ended in heartbreak on Sunday morning after the body of a newborn infant was discovered inside a portable restroom in the festival’s camping area in Rothbury, Michigan.

Michigan State Police (MSP) confirmed that a restroom vending company employee discovered the body of a neonate — a newborn infant four weeks old or younger — during routine maintenance of the portable restroom Sunday morning. 

According to MSP’s Sixth District, the infant was found in the camping area of the festival. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities say there is no known threat to the public. 

Sources indicate it appeared the baby may have been born inside the porta-potty, as the placenta and umbilical cord were reportedly present. It remains unclear at this time whether the baby was stillborn or died after birth. 

Investigators are asking for the public’s help. “If you were in the area and observed anything unusual, or if you have information that you believe may be relevant, we encourage you to come forward,” MSP said. 

Michigan State Police’s most recent update requests that the public avoid speculation on social media out of respect for the investigation and those affected. 

Electric Forest draws tens of thousands of fans each year to its four-day celebration of EDM, jam bands, and camping in the forests of western Michigan. Festival organizer AEG Worldwide had not issued a public statement at the time of publication.

This is a developing story. EDM Life will continue to update as more information becomes available. Anyone with information is urged to contact Michigan State Police.